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what does it mean when a puppy does this?(or more specifically,a min. schnauzer)
my puppy likes to chew on my things that she knows are mine but deliberately chews on them anyway. then when i go to get them from her,she rears up and barks and runs away. then when i go to pet her and play with her,she will run away,paw the ground and growl at me.when i try to show her whos boss ,she lies down real low and looks up at me and barks non stop. on top of all this,she doesnt like to listen to me at all. what do i do to stop this behavior without getting angry and wanting to hit her??
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Answers
First, she's a puppy. She doesn't know those belongings are yours, she knows that you left them where she can get them so everything is free game.
Second, the next behavior you are describing is a playing behavior. She thinks that you are playing with her.
Instead of punishing her for wrong things, teach her the right things to do. If she chews your shoes A) pick your shoes up so she can't get to them B) If she accidentally gets one, take it from her and give her something appropriate to chew on.
I suggest positive reinforcement based obedience classes or you're going to end up with an out of control puppy.
Buy her some chew toys.Take the items you don't want chewed off the ground.
Don't forget she's just a puppy i have one to and they want to play and growl and 'misbehave' alot. I spend every spare moment i have with my puppy (she's laying on my lap right now) she likes me alot and that HELPS me train her in MOST things becuse she is more willing to listen to me than anyone else.
Around the age of 4 to 6 months, they teeth and this is probably why she is chewing on things. When she runs off when you try to take it back, she probably see it as a game. Here's the solution:
Get her her own toys, and whenever she chews on something that belongs to you, trade up. Reward her for chewing on the right things.
As for her actions when being played with, it sounds like she's playing back. Puppies are motivated by play. Yes, growling can be used in playing.
How exactly do you "show her who's boss"? The worst possible way to go about this, especially with a puppy, is "alpha" rolling. It's totally unnecessary, and not only that--dogs can see it as an attack and will sometimes bite when this is done to them. Besides, the only times I've seen a dog roll over in submission is when the he did it on his own, *without being forced by the alpha*.
The way to truly have your dog see you as her leader? Simply control her resources. That's all.
Love that article that Cookie posted! Here's a link to my trainer's site, with articles on behavior: www.k9techsupport.com
Your dog is not listening to you because you are not calm, relaxed, and "alpha." Being alpha means being above the crazy behavior. Watch a dog who is truly alpha, and you will see her turn her head and ignore a crazy puppy. Beta dogs will try physical force, but alphas will just wait it out. Use the training tips, above, to get her to listen to you.
When she's in the house, for now, keep a leash on her. If she does something you don't want (chewing, barking, etc.), say "ah, ah" in a calm, firm way. Calmly pick up the leash without talking and walk her outside (or any safe boring place, like a laundry room). Leave her alone for five minutes. Then go get her, and resume play!
Soon she will associate the "ah, ah" sound with boring isolation, and will stop bad behavior to be with you.
It doesn't MEAN anything. These things are what puppies do naturally. If you don't like this kind of behaivour it is your responsiblity to teach and train the puppy. YOU need to give the pup rules, boundries and instructions. Basic training includes teaching your pup the meaning of the SIT, STAY, COME and NO command.
Go to a book store and pick up some books about puppy behaivor and puppy training! Another good "online" source is articles area on: www.abetterdog4u.com
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